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Before hitting the high
seas with your pet, be sure to take necessary
provisions to ensure that your pet's trip is
a happy and safe one.
-
Identification
Tag: Make sure your pet has a
collar with an identification
tag. Include contact information,
marina address and slip number.
-
Familiarization with
the Boat: It is best to gradually
introduce your pet to your boat and the
water. Let your pet explore the boat while
it is docked before going out on the water.
Turn on the engine and let them get used
to its sound, smell, and feel while the
boat is docked. Then, take your pet out
on small cruises and gradually build up
to longer cruises.
-
Safe & Easy Boat
Access: Provide a special
pet ramp for your pet to get on and
off the boat. This not only includes from
the dock to the boat but also from the
water to the boat. Pets weigh much more
wet than dry and it can be very difficult
to lift them back into your boat after
a swim.
-
Floatation Device:
A personal
floatation device (a.k.a. life jacket)
can also ensure safety while on the water.
Not all pets can swim (including some
dogs). Even if your pet is a good swimmer,
getting tossed overboard can put any animal
into a panic. In addition, your pet could
suffer from exhaustion or hypothermia.
Many pets also fall into the water from
the dock or while trying to get from the
dock to the boat. Having your pet equipped
with a floatation device with a lifting
handle makes retrieving your pet much
easier and safer. Help your pet get used
to the PFD by first practicing at home
for short periods of time. Start by putting
the PFD on your pet and let them walk
around with it on. The next step is to
let your pet swim with it on for a short
period. It's a new experience for your
pet so it's important for them to get
used to it before the boat trip.
-
Proper Hydration
& Staying Cool: Pets do not sweat,
so keep an eye out for heavy panting or
drool and a rapid heart beat. Protect
pets from heat by providing some shade
on the boat, providing plenty of water
and keeping the deck cool to protect paw
pads. Bring along a travel
water bowl and fresh water. It is
critical to hydrate pets before they get
into the water. Otherwise, they will drink
the natural water and may get sick.
-
Going Potty: A
big challenge of boating with your pet
is making provisions so that they can
go to the bathroom. Bringing along your
cat's litter box and securing it inside
the cabin is a good solution for your
feline friends. Dogs, however, are a bigger
challenge. If your boat trip does not
allow for regular land stops for your
dog to do their business, then provisions
must be made so that they can relieve
themselves on the boat. A portable dog
potty that simulates grass is an excellent
solution. We recommend the Pup-Head
Portable Dog Potty.
-
Health Records: If
your boating destination is a marina or
place that you're not familiar with, be
sure to bring along a copy of vaccination
and health records. Some places may require
proof of immunization before letting pets
explore on land.
-
Call Ahead: While
most marinas and parks welcome pets, there
are some that aren't pet-friendly. Be
sure to call ahead before arriving on
shore.
For boating supplies for pets, visit our
online store, Bonzo Beans Pet Travel Store
.
 Pet
Travel Tips for the Car
Pet
Travel Tips for the Air
Moving
Tips for Pets
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